San Antonio often is ranked as a top job-growth city but never makes a top 10 list for new college graduates.

That could mean college graduates look for something beyond a job — a lifestyle, perhaps. But better than relying on lists is listening to recent college graduates who have selected San Antonio to start their grown-up lives.

“I initially came to San Antonio because I knew it as a bigger city, but one that is not often mentioned with Dallas and Houston or even Austin when it comes to business, employment or for the reasonable cost of living or even the diverse neighborhoods here,” Calvin said.

“I chose to stay here after graduating because I see great potential for the growth of new businesses in this evolving economy,” she added. “I love that San Antonio offers most of the same benefits that bigger, faster cities offer, but it also offers the slower pace of country living.

“Personally, I appreciate the city hustle and bustle, but the country side helps me focus on the enjoyment of life,” she added.

“After living in Dallas for four years, I realized that the world is a very expensive place. San Antonio has a lower cost of living; and as a new graduate who is currently unemployed, I am always wondering if and how I am going to be able to afford a place of my own once I start getting a paycheck,” Cangelosi said.

“I love that San Antonio is growing. All the new developments are just a testament to how prosperous our city has become despite the hard economic times our nation is currently going through,” Cangelosi added. “I'm glad that I live in a town that is really expanding. With expansion and growth comes more opportunities for business, and with more businesses comes more jobs.”

“I went to school in a small town and wanted to get away. There is so much more that San Antonio can offer compared to anywhere else I have lived. Yet, somehow, it is not overwhelming,” Havey said. “San Antonio was listed on Forbes in the top 10 cities for many things including job opportunities. It was also listed as recession-proof.”

What don't they like about San Antonio?

“I wish that we had nicer clubs and bars to go to. I tend to go to the same two all the time, but I wish I had more to try,” Cangelosi said. “That brings up another problem: people's lack of knowledge about new places.”

“I don't like driving in San Antonio,” Havey said. “I also don't like that I need a GPS to get anywhere.”

Calvin said, “One thing that could definitely grow in this city is more celebration and recognition of the African-American heritage.”

Three graduates are not a scientific survey. But graduates are coming or staying after having experienced other places. San Antonio needs them.

“I want to stay here for a long time,” Havey said. “I have no plans of leaving.”

“San Antonio is my home,” Cangelosi added, “and I don't doubt that it always will be.”